Wheezing (and other asthma symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing)

Severe food allergies also can affect the cardiovascular system and cause abnormal heart rate, chest pain, and very low blood pressure (hypotension). Anaphylaxis, also called anaphylactic shock and allergic cascade, is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Signs of anaphylaxis include the following:

Convulsions

Cyanosis (bluish coloration of the skin)

Extremely low blood pressure (hypotension)

Pallor (pale, cool skin)

Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

Respiratory distress (inability to breathe)

Swelling (which can obstruct breathing)

Widespread rash

People who have a severe food allergy can experience an allergic reaction from consuming even a trace amount of the food allergen or from being exposed to airborne food allergens. For example, allergens can be released into the air during cooking (e.g., steaming lobster) or when a nut shell is cracked open.